CORTLAND, N.Y. – The Jets on Friday signed running back Michael Smith, while cutting safety Brandon Hardin, who had been sidelined with a foot injury. The Smith signing was first reported by Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun.

Smith was a seventh-round draft pick by Tampa Bay out of Utah State in 2012.

Smith, who is 5-9 and 205 pounds, played in one game in 2012 and none last year. He has no career NFL carries. He has three kickoff returns for 55 yards.

Smith only played in the season opener in 2012. He was inactive for every other game, but remained on the active roster.

Before last year even began, Smith was put on season-ending injured reserve with a torn foot ligament. In May, Tampa Bay cut him.

The Jets are currently dealing with some injuries at the running back position.

Their top two backs, Chris Ivory and Chris Johnson, seem to be doing fine. But Bilal Powell has missed four straight practices with a hamstring injury. Alex Green, who is probably the fifth running back on the Jets’ depth chart, has been dealing with a chest injury. He was limited in Friday’s practice.

The Jets’ No. 4 running back (probably), Daryl Richardson, has remained healthy in camp, after fighting a turf toe injury last season that resulted in the Jets limiting his action in organized team activities and minicamp.